By Phenyo Selinda
Gqeberha, South Africa – The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Zhuhai City from the People’s Republic of China have formally expressed their intention to foster a long-term partnership, with the two cities signing a letter of intent on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. The agreement is poised to bring significant mutual benefits, including job creation, industrial collaboration, and enhanced trade relations.
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, and Vice Mayor of Zhuhai, Yang Chuan, signed the agreement during a ceremony at Gqeberha City Hall. This partnership comes after van Niekerk’s recent visit to China, accompanied by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane. The mayor lauded the collaboration as a “significant step towards enhancing international relations and creating opportunities for local communities.”
The relationship between Nelson Mandela Bay and Zhuhai will focus on multiple areas of cooperation, including:
• Economic Ties and Industrial Collaboration: Both cities aim to strengthen economic relations through industrial partnerships that will foster job creation and drive local economic growth.
• Port Operations and Tourism: Given the strategic importance of Nelson Mandela Bay’s port facilities, the agreement will seek to enhance port operations and boost tourism in both cities.
• Cultural and Educational Exchanges: The two municipalities plan to initiate educational exchanges between local universities, including Nelson Mandela University, to foster cultural understanding and knowledge sharing .A significant focus of the partnership is the potential for Chinese investment in local infrastructure, particularly in the Coega Industrial Zone. The region already hosts two major Chinese car manufacturers, BAIC and FAW, both of which have contributed substantially to local employment. Zhuhai’s involvement could potentially attract additional investment, specifically in the automotive and technology sectors.
As both cities look to the future, sustainability remains a priority. The collaboration is designed to promote sustainable development, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits through innovations in manufacturing and technology.
This agreement highlights a growing trend in South Africa’s international relations, with China becoming a key player in infrastructure development and economic investment. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent engagements at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation further demonstrate the importance of these partnerships in advancing South Africa’s industrial and trade objectives on the global stage.
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